The end of the rate rises? Plus Barryroe’s survival plan, the IRFU’s finances and the story of Smurfit’s WestRock deal

Are we there yet? Borrowers reacting to the European Central Bank’s latest interest rate hike, which leaves rates at an all-time high of 4 per cent, must be hoping the answer is yes. Conor Pope outlines what Thursday’s quarter-point rise means for beleaguered mortgage-holders, while Cliff Taylor asks if we have finally reached the end of the increases.

A survival plan for Barryroe Offshore Energy could be close to agreement, writes Joe Brennan. The so-called scheme of arrangement would see major shareholder Larry Goodman taking control of the business, which has been in examinership since July.

The State is the fourth best country worldwide for people to enjoy retirement, according to a global index compiled by investment manager, Natixis. Dominic Coyle has more on the study, which measures security in retirement across four areas – health, finance, quality of life and material wellbeing.

Dominic also reports on the IRFU’s plan to help secure its finances through the sale of some 2,000 10-year tickets for Irish rugby internationals. And for this week’s Business Interview, he speaks to IRFU chief executive Kevin Potts, the person charged with overseeing the game in Ireland and keeping its finances in order. Potts explains that balancing the rugby books is an ongoing challenge.

Consumer sentiment slips for fourth month in row

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Helping offshore energy developers factor the impact on nature into their planning process

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To make artificial intelligence safer, use it more

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The race for an AI-powered personal assistant

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In our Friday long-read Agenda feature, Joe Brennan looks under the bonnet of Smurfit’s plan to merge with US peer WestRock, outlining how the deal came about, its logic and what it will mean for the veteran Irish paper and packaging group.

John FitzGerald uses his Economics column to consider how Irish agriculture could adapt in the face of climate change, arguing that it does not have to be a lose-lose situation for farmers.

In our Work section, Olive Keogh examines a survey that found it is easier to find a job in Dublin than in many other European locations. Madrid is the toughest location for jobseekers, while Luxembourg and Amsterdam are more appealing cities because they both offer well-paid opportunities.

Ian Curran gets to know Paul Plewman, the Irishman at the helm of Macquarie’s European unit. The financier discusses energy prices, economic upheaval and the Australian bank’s 20-year history in Ireland.

Marguerite Brosnan, the chief executive of Axa Insurance in Ireland, has been chosen as The Irish Times Business Person of the Month for August, an award run in association with Bank of Ireland. The French insurance giant last month agreed to buy Laya Healthcare, the Republic’s second-largest health insurer, in a deal worth €650 million.

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